Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a dry, itchy inflammation of the skin, which can be associated with allergies and asthma. Like allergies, it is often a chronic condition, but will come and go depending on many factors, like the weather, exposure to irritants and the level of moisture on your child’s skin. It is most often seen in infants and children but can continue into adulthood. Eczema tends to run in families, but the frequency of the condition has been increasing in recent years, even in families with no other affected members.

The main problem for children with eczema is an abnormal skin barrier. Treatment therefore focuses on hydrating and protecting the skin. Start with daily moisturizing lotions that are fragrance-free. Eucerin and Aveeno are good examples. The best time to apply these lotions is right after a bath or shower. Petroleum jelly, Aquaphor or Vaseline can then be applied on top of the moisturizer, to seal the moisture in and protect the skin. In some cases, a steroid cream might need to be applied first. We can guide you in these cases.

Make sure all of your child’s products (including diapers, wipes, soaps, lotions and laundry detergents) are fragrance-free and dye-free. In some cases, eliminating certain foods might also help improve your child’s skin. Talk to one of us if you feel your child’s eczema worsens after eating a particular food. The most common offenders are milk, wheat, nuts, soy and fish.

Skin with eczema can easily become infected with bacteria. Please call us for an appointment if you notice red, yellow-crusted or weeping lesions on your child’s skin.